In these modern days, the issue of light pollution is getting more and more serious. One of the consequences is that it affects our abilities to marvel at the stars. A 2016 study found that the majority of people living in the United States and Europe cannot gaze at the Milky Way due to light pollution.
Luckily, CNN has a list ready that tells you where to go if you want to marvel at the night sky, “spot meteors, see stars and ponder constellations.” Apart from dark sky reserves in the US, UK, France, and Germany, there are options much closer to home: Hortobágy, for example, is also featured on the list.
Amazingly, Hungary has two locations among the 23 best places for stargazing in the world, featured on the same list as the Grand Canyon, for example.
In connection with the Hortobágy National Park, CNN added that it is not only worth visiting because of the night sky but also because of another attraction, the Nine Arch Bridge (Kilenclyukú Híd), which is Hungary’s longest stone bridge, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park’s main goal was to protect the wildlife of the area, including the numerous nocturnal birds and insects. As a result, they fought light pollution, too, managing to protect the beautiful starry nights.
Hungary’s other appearance on the list is thanks to the Zselic Starry Sky Park. According to CNN, it is “one of the best places in Europe to see the zodiacal light.” The view is the best in spring and autumn. You can discover the park yourself or get a guide during the ‘star walk’ program.
Featured image: facebook.com/ezerszinuvilag, by Gergő Kaszás
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